​What are program hours?PreKindergarten (PreK) hours align with the 217 school day. School begins at 8:25am and ends at 2:45pm. Students should arrive to school a few minutes prior to 8:25am and wait for the doors to open, and then parents can walk their child to class. At 2:45pm, the side gate will open and parents may enter the door in the yard to the PreK classrooms to pick up their child.

Is there snack time?Yes. Pack a healthy snack, including a reusable water bottle (no fruit juice or milk) for your child separate from their lunch each day.

Can students get cafeteria lunch?Students eat in the cafeteria with the classroom teacher, but students are to bring lunch from home at the start of the school year. As students gradually transition into the school year we will notify families of when they may begin having hot lunch from the cafeteria. Students may order cold lunch (peanut butter & jelly or cheese sandwich, fruit, milk) and they may order milk with or without lunch.

Can students go to breakfast in the morning?Yes. Breakfast begins at 7:45am. To help students transition into a school environment, we ask parents to attend breakfast with students in the beginning of the school year. After a transition period, a para-professional will supervise PreK students in the cafeteria and walk them to their classroom at 8:25am.

Is there nap time?Yes. Students do not have to sleep, but they must stay on their cot quietly and rest for 30 minutes each afternoon.

Do students have to be potty trained?Students do not have to be potty trained, but must be independent with all toileting procedures.

What do I do if my child will be absent?Please notify the teacher and the office by emailing Ms. Crystal, the attendance secretary, and copying the teacher. The email address is absent@psis217.net.

What’s included in a day in the life of a PreKindergarten student at 217?In a PreK student’s day there will be a variety of activities that range from working independently, in small groups, and together as a whole class. Daily activities range from quietly looking at a book to busily creating a city in the block center, and includes one hour of outdoor gross motor play each day (in the gym during wet weather). Each day students will have lots of play, plenty of friends, nurturance from caring adults, and promotion of curiosity, all within a stimulating environment. There’s a positive approach towards learning and focus on cooperation and kindness.Do PreKindergarten students go on field trips?The Department of Education does not permit PreK students to use school buses. We may take a few local, walking field trips during the year. Advance notice is always given and permission slips are sent home.

How will I know about my child’s progress?Parent Teacher Conferences are formally set 2 times per year to discuss expectations and progress, that. In addition there is a fall curriculum night and a spring celebration evening.PreK teachers are also available on Tuesday mornings between 7:45-8:25am. You are welcome to make an appointment to see your teacher during this time or contact your teacher to make additional conference appointments if needed.

How will I know what is happening around the school?The school e-newsletter, “Hawks’ Happenings”, is emailed weekly from the PTA. If you aren’t finding these in your inbox each week please email the PTA (psis217info@gmail.com) to confirm your email address. You should also be regularly informed of activities and news by your class parents.

What types of assessments are given in PreKindergarten students?The ESI-R (Early Screening Inventory) test is required for all PreK programs to identify potential developmental delays and English Language Acquisition (ELA) support needs. This screening tool assesses such things as language, cognition, perception, and motor development. Each child is assessed by the ESI-R assessment in order to rule out any possible developmental delays. If your child doesn’t speak English, or has an IEP, he or she is exempt. Informal assessments are routinely documented and recorded by teachers. We use Teaching Strategies Gold, an authentic assessment system aligned with the NYS PreKindergarten Standards to document and assess students’ progress.

What is included in the PreKindergarten curriculum?PreK students learn through play. We place emphasis on nurturing independence, the process of learning, and the all around growth of each student. Students will be engaged in ten units of study throughout the year, such as transportation, plants, light, and water. Within these units of study, children are engaged in learning centers that provide developmentally appropriate experiences that promote socio-emotional, cognitive, and academic skills. Students have an hour of gross motor play each day, two hours of Center Time (Blocks, Dramatic Play, Puppetry, Art, Table Toys, Sand/Water Table, Writing Center, Listening Center) in addition to Read Alouds, Small Group Activities, Whole Class Meeting Time, and subjects taught by specialist Teachers such as Music, Science, and Library.

When will I get my child’s class assignment?Class assignments will be mailed to families during the week before school begins. Included will be procedures for the first day of school.

What supplies does my child need?A school supply list is available on the website. Please bring in supplies during the first few days of school.